Morocco Launches Nationwide Anti-Illiteracy Campaign
GDP Growth Stands at 5.5% in 2003 Fiscal year (Minister)
Morocco and US Confident that FTA Be Signed before End of Year
Morocco growth seen at 3.0 pct in 2004
Slow judiciary impeding Morocco's development
Morocco to draw up fresh charter of citizens rights, duties
Moroccan, US FTA Negotiations Held in Good Conditions, US Official
Andaloussiat music festival: call for intercultural dialogue
SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON HUMAN RIGHTS OF MIGRANTS TO VISIT MOROCCO FROM 19 TO 31 OCTOBER 2003
Justice Minister Dedicates First Family Law Section
Moroccan Jews Encouraged by King's Reforms to Family Law
Morocco women win rights
Morocco boosts women's rights.
Morocco produces daily evidence that civilizations clash is not inexorable, Chirac
Morocco's Islamist party welcomes reform family law
Family law change to end polygamy in Morocco
Morocco: More rights for women
Family law reforms welcomed by Moroccan political parties and associations
Family law amendments, a revolution, justice minister
Moroccan king orders justice minister to set up facilities for family justice in Moroccan courts
Group of Moroccan NGOs calls for abolishing capital punishment
Parliament fall session opening: King Mohammed surveys reforms of the family law
No progress possible if women' rights are violated, says king
King Mohammed voices resolve to set democratic process on the right track
King Mohammed deplores low number of elected women in local polls
Morocco's trade deficit worsens by 18.3% by end of August 2003

Morocco Launches Nationwide Anti-Illiteracy Campaign

RABAT, Oct.14 - Morocco launched Tuesday a nationwide anti-illiteracy campaign titled "Massirat Annour" (March toward light). H.M King Mohammed VI, has addressed on the occasion to Moroccans a message read out by secretary of state in charge of literacy and informal education, Najiba Ghozali, on the Moroccan TV channel (TVM). The sovereign expressed in the message "deep worries" over the phenomenon that affects one Moroccan out of two and "extends its dark veil on more than 12 million Moroccans", particularly women and children. The king deplored that a child out of three cannot write and read and 2 million children aged below 5 years do not have access to schooling. A special emphasis was laid by the sovereign on human development as "a crucial element to fulfill our project of a modernist and democratic society whose roots are our civilization authenticity and religious values and with branches extending to contemporary values, science, knowledge, technology and modern systems"

The royal message also calls for "collective action" by all Moroccan official and non-governmental bodies and organizations, in addition to mosques where literacy courses are taught and that should be endowed with the needed staff and means. Efficient pedagogical means and the mobilization of all the qualified persons are needed if literacy drives are to succeed, said the sovereign who praised the ngo's actions. It is important that the literacy programs be supported by intellectual literacy actions through awareness campaigns on religious and civic rights and duties, general knowledge and issues of the homeland, in particular, said the king.

Morocco has embarked on a campaign to fight illiteracy and school dropping of the youth. Official figures say that over 47 years after independence, illiteracy has slightly regressed, as 3 out of 5 women and 2 out of 3 people in rural areas are illiterate. Illiteracy rate was reduced from 80% in 1960, to 48% in 1999. Morocco is projecting to bring down illiteracy rate from 48% presently to 35% by end of 2004 and less than 20% by 2010, before a quasi-total eradication in 2015. © MAP 2003 http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

GDP Growth Stands at 5.5% in 2003 Fiscal year (Minister)

Rabat, Oct 13 - The fiscal year 2003 was marked by a 5.5% growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and by a control of inflation rate to the limit of 1 per cent, announced, here Monday, Moroccan minister of finance and privatization, Fathallah Oualaalou, during a Ministers' Council chaired by H.M King Mohammed VI. The minister who was briefing the council on the 2003 fiscal year underlined the "great success" of the privatization of the Regie des Tabacs (the former state-owned Tobacco Company 80 per cent of which was sold in July to the French-Spanish group Altadis for 1.29 billion EUROS).  Oualaalou also explained the growth by the kingdom's ability to access the world financial market with the mobilization of loans amounting to 400 millions EUROS.

Presenting the broad lines of the 2004 finance bill, the minister said this bill comes in a general environment marked by changes at the national and international levels. It also comes in a national context which, he said, confirms the importance of the choices made by Morocco under the leadership of H.M King Mohammed VI and the confidence placed in this country by international financial and economic spheres. The minister also mentioned the drop of the payments balance deficit and maintaining to a convenient level of the sensitive tourism industry despite fears raised by the war in Iraq and the May 16 terrorist attacks in Casablanca.

© MAP 2003 http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morocco and US Confident that FTA Be Signed before End of Year

RABAT, Oct 17 - Morocco and the United States voiced confidence that a Free trade Agreement "FTA" will be signed before the end of this year, despite concerns about the agricultural sector which, according to Moroccan negotiators will be taken into account in this agreement after US negotiators showed understanding to the issue. The two countries which wound up, here Thursday, their fifth round of negotiations, agreed that a special chapter will be devoted to the agricultural sector to allow Morocco boost its exports, as was put by Taib Fassi Fihri, minister delegated to foreign affairs and cooperation and chief negotiator.

Fihri who was speaking at a joint press conference with Catherine Novelli, US assistant trade representative and head of the US negotiating team, admitted that this very sensitive issue was closely argued within the committee in charge of the agricultural sector, in particular regarding cereals and meat.  The Moroccan minister, who serves as the unique interlocutor of American authorities in preparing this agreement, referred to H.M. king Mohammed VI's instruction, last March, to the government to work out a platform to just Moroccan agriculture and improve its competitiveness in the prospect of Morocco's international commitments.

Morocco's concerns regarding this issue were also brought up by the US official who said her country perfectly understands them, underlining however that this agreement will benefit the two countries and help Moroccan farmers boost their exports towards the United States and Americans export their products towards Morocco.  Novelli said she supports H.M. the king's appeal for a reform of Moroccan agriculture adding that American investors will be informed of "transparent and modern investment" opportunities in Morocco. The two sides were also upbeat that the agreement will be signed, as scheduled by end of this year, given substantial progress accomplished during the fifth rounds of negotiation.

The sixth round of negotiations, started in January 2003, will be held in Washington mid November. This would be the second free trade agreement concluded by the United States with an Arab country after Jordan. © MAP 2003 http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morocco growth seen at 3.0 pct in 2004

RABAT, Oct 17 (Reuters) - The Moroccan economy is forecast to grow by 3.0 percent in 2004, a marked slowdown from growth of 5.5 percent expected this year, Finance Minister Fathallah Oualalou said on Friday.  "We hope to reach 3.0 percent (growth). It's a realistic but also cautious hypothesis," he told Reuters in an interview. "This year we expect 5.5 percent, maybe a bit more," he said noting that the agriculture-based economy had grown at an average rate of 5.08 percent over the past three years. "This is unprecedented in Morocco," he stressed and said this was the kind of steady development trend closely watched by international lending bodies such as the World Bank.

Outlining the 2004 draft budget, which he will present to parliament on Tuesday, Oualalou said consumer price inflation next year was forecast unchanged at 2.0 percent. The budget deficit was seen stable at 3.0 percent of GDP. The 2004 budget, with public spending focused on education and health, was based on a euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.15-1.17 and a barrel of oil at $25, he said. Oualalou said the north African country's foreign debt was expected to end 2004 at $12 billion, a drop of one billion from the previous year. "Debt really is not a major problem for Morocco," he said, stressing the government had successfully managed in recent years to reimburse its most expensive debts. He shrugged off financial analysts' concerns about a bulging domestic debt and said the government "is benefiting from a declining trend of interest rates in the domestic money market". At the same time, he said, the total debt/GDP ratio was declining.

On growth, Oualalou did not offer a breakdown by sectors but the key agricultural outlook is positive this year thanks to a bumper cereals harvest. Agriculture accounts for around 14 percent of Morocco's GDP of some $41 billion and 50 percent of employment in a country of 30 million. The minister said he hoped Morocco would achieve regular annual growth of 6.0 percent starting from around 2008. "It's an ambition we have, in order to solve unemployment" which stood at 11.2 percent of the workforce at the end of the first half, but at 19.2 percent in urban areas, he said. ((Reporting by Souhail Karam and Gilles Trequesser, editing by Malcolm Whittaker; Reuters Messaging: gilles.trequesser.reuters.com@reuters.net; +212-37 720065))

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm?id=1066396807nL17341699&Section=Countries&page=Morocco&channel=All%20Morocco%20News&objectid=22403786-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B74A0D7C

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Slow judiciary impeding Morocco's development: World Bank suggests remodeling university law curriculums to provide better training for lawyers, bailiffs, notaries.

RABAT - Morocco's slow-moving judicial system is hampering the north African country's economic development, the World Bank said in a report published here Wednesday. Judicial foot-dragging is of "great concern to economic players," the report said, adding that "delays and the ineffective nature of bankruptcy protection and judicial liquidation procedures act as a direct brake on economic development" in Morocco. "Considerable shortcomings" in the judicial system often prevent "legal rulings being effectively implemented," the report said.

To rectify the situation, the World Bank suggests "remodeling" university law curriculums to provide better training for lawyers, bailiffs and notaries, and regular monitoring in respect of legal codes of conduct. Sentencing judges should also be given "real powers," the report said. Moroccan courts currently have a backlog of 600,000 cases a year, Justice Minister Mohammed Bouzoubaa has said.

Law professionals, students and even fully trained magistrates are not given enough judicial information, said the World Bank report, recommending that decrees and other legal information are published regularly, to allow practitioners "to refer to national law even as it evolves." Since his accession to the throne in 1999, King Mohammed VI has been trying to position Morocco as a burgeoning democracy. "All the elements for high-level reforms are already in place", the report said, adding that Morocco "can clearly be classified among the world's most advanced countries" in terms of its judicial system.

http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=7406

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morocco to draw up fresh charter of citizens rights, duties

Morocco, Politics, 10/15/2003

Chairman of the Moroccan Human Rights Consultative Council (CCDH), Omar Azziman, said the council will draw up a new charter of citizens' rights and duties part of the new tasks it was assigned by King Mohammed VI. The council will also assess the criminal law and its aptitude to efficiently fight discrimination, hatred and violence, Azziman underlined at the opening of CCDH's 20th meeting Tuesday. The chairman added that the human rights body will set up a Jury Commission for Mohammed VI Human Rights Award 2003 and will examine a draft resolution in relation to continuing the process of addressing issues linked to forced disappearances and arbitrary arrests.

Azziman recalled that the council drew up draft recommendations related to the extra-judicial settlement of past human rights violations and the rehabilitation of victims of forced disappearances and arbitrary arrests, adding that the annual report on human rights situation in the country will be presented by end 2003. The report, he went on, comprises the follow-up of trials in connection with May 16 terrorist attacks, the follow-up of journalists trials, the situation in jails and the respect of prisoners' right.

The council carries out the task of "supervision, observation, collect of information and data, analysis, reflection and study to present (.) proposals and recommendations that are exclusively inspired from law and the human rights culture," explained Azziman. CCDH, he went on, is a bridge between the State and social forces and a space for dialogue to reduce divergences and score progress in democracy and human rights. On the reform of the family law announced Friday by king Mohammed VI, the Human Rights Consultative Council said in a release all its members are upbeat about the new amendments in all their dimensions related to rights and economic, social and cultural development, pledging to take part in a campaign to acquaint people with the reforms. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031015/2003101515.html

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Moroccan, US FTA Negotiations Held in Good Conditions, US Official

RABAT, Oct. 15 - Moroccan and US Negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement

(FTA) are going on in good conditions, said Wednesday Catherine Novelli, chief negotiator in the Morocco-USA fTA talks and assistant US Trade Representative for Europe and the Mediterranean. Negotiators are currently probing specific technical matters concerning, in particular, intellectual property, environment protection and labor, added the US official who has joined a team of over fifty negotiators to the fifth round of negotiations that started Monday.

Novelli hailed relations between the two countries and voiced her country's support to the policy of reforms launched in Morocco, underlining that the kingdom is leader in the region of North Africa and renowned for its openness and stability. She said the signing of the agreement will increase investment opportunities and exchanges between the two countries, explaining that it will make it easier for Moroccan companies to have access to the American market and will encourage US businessmen to invest in Morocco.

An official at the US embassy in Rabat said a sixth round of negotiations is likely to be held in Washington to discuss some technical issues prior to the signing of the agreement before the end of the year. Morocco and the United States that first announced plans to conclude an FTA in April 2001 during a visit of H.M king Mohammed VI to the US are scheduled to sign the agreement before end of this year. © MAP 2003 http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Andaloussiat music festival: call for intercultural dialogue

Regional-Morocco, Local, 10/15/2003

The "Andaloussiat" music Festival was launched here Sunday with a Morocco-Spanish music show, marking a special intercultural exchange. The festival, part of the "Rabat, capital of Arab culture" program, aims to highlight the diversity and richness of Andalusian music through music concerts from Morocco, Spain, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt.

In an inaugural statement, Moroccan Culture minister, Mohammed Achaari, said "Andalusia has always been a melting pot of civilizations and a land of tolerance and cultural exchange endowed with an exceptional civilizational and human heritage." He pointed out that in music, the "Nouba Andaloussia," a famous Andalusian music rhythm, structured since the 10th Century, has undergone progressive enrichments from multiple poetic rhythms and genres such as "Mouachahat," "Zajal" and "Barwal." Andalusian music heritage has influenced different artistic genres in the two Mediterranean shores, namely "Moroccan Nouba," a Moroccan traditional oral music rhythm, and "the Flamenco," a (Spanish) rhythm deeply rooted in Andalusian tradition, said Achaari.

The concert started with Andalusian pieces of music given by "Mohamed Bajddoub," a famous Moroccan singer, with "the Youth of Andalusia," a Rabat Andalusian music orchestra. The program went on with a Flamenco show performed by "Hierba Buena," a Spanish orchestra from Seville. The inaugural ceremony was marked by the presence of several Moroccan personalities and president of the (Spanish) Andalusia autonomous government, Manuel Chavez. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031015/2003101526.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON HUMAN RIGHTS OF MIGRANTS TO VISIT MOROCCO FROM 19 TO 31 OCTOBER 2003

Gabriela Rodriguez Pizarro, the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the human rights of migrants, will visit Morocco from 19 to 31 October 2003 at the invitation of the Government. During her trip, she will visit Rabat, Casablanca, Khouribga, Tangiers, Tetoua, Oujda and Nador. In Rabat, the Special Rapporteur will meet with the Minister of Human Rights, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in charge of Moroccans living abroad, the Minister of Employment and Social Affairs, the Director of Consular and Social Affairs, as well as the President of the Advisory Council for Human Rights and the President of the Hassan II Foundation for Moroccans living abroad. She will also have meetings with representatives of non-governmental organizations and academic institutions.

During the other legs of her trip, Ms. Pizarro will meet with representatives of local authorities and will visit centres for migrants. She will also meet with groups of migrants. At the end of her visit, the Special Rapporteur will prepare a report which will be submitted to the next session of the Commission on Human Rights in March-April 2004.

The mandate of the Special Rapporteur includes examining ways to overcome difficulties concerning migrants which violate the effective protection of the rights of migrants, especially difficulties affecting the return of migrants without papers and those in irregular situations. The Commission on Human Rights established the mandate of the Special Rapporteur in 1999. More information on the activities of the Special Rapporteur and her previous visits and reports can be found at www.ohchr.org (index - migrants - Special Rapporteur). http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/7B72182EC535A0BDC1256DC100581828?opendocument

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Justice Minister Dedicates First Family Law Section

CASABLANCA, Oct.17 - Justice minister, Mohammed Bouzoubaa, dedicated here on Friday the first family law section in a Casablanca first instance tribunal. The section, said the minister is the first step in implementing instructions issued by king Mohammed VI to set forth reforms to the family law. Bouzoubaa said similar sections will be set up in all Moroccan tribunals to guarantee fairness and equity in handling families cases. The sovereign issued in a letter to the justice minister orders to set up family justice facilities in Moroccan courts, as a provisional measure pending the announcement of a decision on this project.

The sovereign further instructed the minister to ensure the new judicial system staff training and to make proposals for appointing a committee of experts to draft a practical guidebook on relevant provisions and rules pertaining to the family judicial system, to serve as a single source of reference. The court president told MAP reforms introduced in the family law are based on daily facts and figures. The number of cases involving polygamy decreased from 42 in 2002 to 30 in 2003, early marriage (2 cases in 2003 against 10 in 2002) and marriages between Moroccans and foreigners (97 cases against 147 last year). The creation of special jurisdiction to handle family disputes was among the reforms announced last Friday by the sovereign in his landmark speech opening the parliament's fall session. © MAP 2003 http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Moroccan Jews Encouraged by King's Reforms to Family Law

RABAT, Oct.17 - Albert Sasson, a leading Jewish figure and member of the Moroccan human rights advisory council (CCDH), said reforms to the family law announced last Friday by King Mohammed VI are a stimulus for Moroccan Jews to amend the Hebraic family laws. Sasson told MAP the amendments brought to the law regulating marriage, divorce, children guardianship and other family relations for Muslim Moroccans are opening the way for change in Moroccan Jews' family laws.

After he welcomed the reforms announced by the sovereign as a source of satisfaction for Moroccan Jews and an opportunity for them to carry on improving, developing and reforming the law in total respect of Jewish foundations and peculiarities, Sasson said they also give them satisfaction as to their status as Moroccan nationals and as to their specificity as regards the personal statute. While announcing the reforms at the opening of the parliament's fall session, the sovereign stressed "As the King of all Moroccans, I do not make legislation for a given segment of the population or a specific party. Rather, I seek to reflect the general will of the Nation, which I consider to be my extended family."

Speaking of Moroccan Jews, the sovereign said "As I am determined to preserve the rights of my faithful subjects of Jewish faith, I have seen to it that the new Family Law contains a provision which reaffirms that they shall continue to be governed by the Hebraic Moroccan Family Law." The CCDH member further explained that like the Muslim family law, the Moroccan Hebraic family law is inspired from religious sources and texts, noting that the sovereign had insisted in his speech on equality between Moroccan Jews and Moroccan Muslims. Sasson, who chairs the Council of Israelite communities in Morocco, announced that rabbis are being trained and special chambers for Jews are available at Moroccan courts. The Council is presently preparing a memo on the Moroccan Hebraic personal status to survey the development of this law throughout history since Morocco's independence in order to inform Muslim co-citizens on the provisions of the Hebraic law, he went on. © MAP 2003 http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morocco women win rights

Stephanie Irvine BBC Moroccan analyst.. Saturday, 11 October, 2003,

The Moroccan King, Mohammed VI, has announced a landmark reform to the law over women's position in the family. The changes to the personal status code would give women greater rights on matters covering marriage and divorce. The King said the measure, which is expected to be approved by parliament soon, was designed to end "the iniquity weighing on women". But he has had to tread a fine line in what is a very controversial subject.

'Vulnerable position'

Morocco's family law - or moudouana - has been one of the most hotly debated and divisive issues in the country in recent years. The law, based on Islamic Sharia, has left women in a vulnerable position within the family. Husbands have been able to divorce their wives easily, and turn them out of the home, while it has been very difficult for women to get out of abusive relationships. Now part of that law is going to change. Women will get property rights within marriage, and both spouses will have equal authority in the family. Divorce will be made easier for women, and the age of marriage for girls will be raised from 15 to 18. Polygamy will not be outlawed but will be made more difficult - a man will need to get consent from his existing wife before marrying another.

Protest rally

Women's groups have been campaigning for changes to the moudouana for years. But when the government attempted to reform the law three years ago, Islamist leaders organised a massive protest rally in Casablanca, attended by hundreds of thousands of demonstrators. The government got cold feet, and abandoned the reforms. That was when the King stepped in, setting up a Royal Commission, made up of both Islamic scholars and women's representatives. It was meant to report last year, but the controversial and sensitive nature of the subject has meant they have had difficulty reaching agreement. Announcing the changes to parliament, the King said he wanted to prevent society from splitting apart over the issue. He will be hoping that his religious authority in Morocco - he is Commander of the Faithful - will convince the country's more conservative Muslims that the changes are in keeping with the faith.

MAIN PROPOSALS:

Minimum age for women to marry raised to 18
Judge's authorisation required for polygamy
Women given right to divorce their husbands
Women given new rights to assets acquired during marriage
Children's rights reinforced

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3183576.stm

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morocco boosts women's rights.

Saturday, 11 October, 2003

Morocco's King Mohammed VI has announced a landmark reform granting women new rights in marriage and divorce. The announcement came in a speech at the opening of parliament. Here are excerpts of his address broadcast live by Moroccan state television. As for the family and promoting women's conditions, I highlighted their intrinsic problems on the eve of assuming the great responsibility of the Emir of the Faithful, asking... How can society advance while the rights of women - who form half of it - are squandered and they are subjected to injustice, violence and marginalisation despite the deference and fairness accorded to them by our true religion?... We intend... to adopt the following reforms:

1: The adoption of a new formulation to replace the notions which harm women's dignity and humanity to make the husband and wife jointly responsible for the family...
2: Give true authority to women to exercise it in accordance with their choice and interest on the basis of one of the interpretations of the Koranic verse which prevents forcing women into marriage without their consent...
3: Ensure equality between women and men with regard to setting the age of marriage at 18 years [for both]... together with entrusting the judge with the possibility of lowering the age in justifiable cases...
4: Regarding polygamy, we have taken into account Islam's tolerant aims in preserving justice... Polygamy will only be permissible in accordance with the following legal provisions:

* The judge will not allow polygamy unless he is convinced of the husband's ability to treat his second wife and her children on equal footing with the first wife in all spheres of life and if he is convinced of the objective justification to allow polygamy.
* Women have the right to impose a condition in the marriage contract preventing the husband from taking a second wife...
* If there were no conditions, the first wife should be summoned to secure her consent. The second wife should be informed that the husband was married to another women and her consent should be obtained, and the first wife should be given the right to demand a divorce...

Divorce reform

6: Make divorce... a prerogative that can be exercised by both the husband and the wife... under judicial supervision. The husband's right to resort to repudiation shall be limited by norms and conditions designed to avoid misuse... Mechanisms of reconciliation and mediation shall be strengthened through the family and the judge. Divorce is the husband's prerogative but the wife may avail herself of this prerogative... Whatever the case, it shall be ascertained that the divorced woman gets all the rights to which she is entitled before the divorce is authorised. A new procedure for divorce has been established, requiring the court's prior authorisation. Divorce cannot be registered until all money owed to the wife and the children has been paid in full by the husband...
7: Expand the woman's right to file for divorce if the husband fails to observe any terms of the marriage contract or if he harms his wife through, for example, lack of financial support, desertion, violence, or any other ill-treatment... Another provision has been introduced allowing divorce by mutual consent, under the supervision of a judge. 'Gains for all Moroccans'
8: Protect children's rights by adding to this law the relevant provisions of international agreements ratified by Morocco. The children's interests as regards custody will be guaranteed...
10: Give the granddaughter and the grandson on the mother's side the right to inherit from their grandfather, as part of the compulsory legacy, just like the son's children...
11: Regarding the management of property acquired by the spouses during their marriage... the couple may agree, in a document other than the marriage contract, on how to manage and invest the assets acquired jointly during their marriage.  In case of disagreement, they shall resort to the judge who shall base his assessment on the general conditions of evidence to determine the contribution of each of the spouses... These reforms... should not be perceived as the victory of one side over the other but rather as gains for all Moroccans... The aim is to draw up a modern Family Law which is consistent with the spirit of our tolerant religion.

- The Family Law should not be considered as a law designed exclusively for women but rather as a code for the family: father, mother and children. The proposed legislation is meant to reconcile lifting the iniquity imposed on women, protecting children's rights and safeguarding men's dignity. Would any of you tolerate seeing his family, wife or children being thrown out of their homes into the street or his daughter or sister being ill-treated? BBC Monitoring <http://www.monitor.bbc.co.uk>, based in Caversham in southern England, selects and translates information from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3183248.stm

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morocco produces daily evidence that civilizations clash is not inexorable, Chirac

Morocco-France, Politics, 10/11/2003

"Morocco, land of tolerance which has, for six thousand years, culled the best of all the cultures that interacted with it, produces each day clear evidence that the clash of cultures is not inexorable," said here French president, Jacques Chirac, who is currently on a 3-day visit to Morocco with his spouse Bernadette.

Chirac, who addressed Moroccan youth on the "Euro-Mediterranean space," in the presence of minister of Habous (endowments) and Islamic affairs, Ahmed Taoufiq, adviser to king Mohammed VI, Abdelaziz Meziane Belfqih, minister of equipment and transport, Karim Ghellab, and secretary of state in charge of family, social action and solidarity, Yasmina Baddou, gave particular emphasis to dialogue among cultures in the region. He called for dialogue among the countries of the region to give a fresh impetus to the partnership launched in Barcelona and help bring back peace to the embattled regions of the world, where the pit of misunderstanding and hatred deepens everyday.

Morocco, located between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and between the East and West, has been able to model an identity of its own and has given you the best of assets, the French president told the Moroccan youth. Young Moroccans have a great opportunity, he said. "You are the youth of a country whose young sovereign, resolutely turned to the future, is attentive to your concerns. Of a country that is wisely and courageously deepening its democratic practice, and which has confidence and faith in its values and in the future." Chirac described Morocco as a pioneer of the Euro-Mediterranean adventure, as evidenced by its commitment to set up a free trade zone with its Agadir-declaration partners.

Morocco and France are at the origin of the Barcelona process launched in 1995, and the kingdom, which is at the heart of the Euro-Mediterranean project gives us great hopes, he said. Morocco is the first recipient and the first user of MEDA aids and European Bank Loans. "This shows that you are on the right path and that your efforts and reforms are starting to yield their fruits," the French president said, adding that the amount of investments the kingdom is attracting evidences its outstanding performance in the region and shows that it enjoys the confidence of European economic operators.

Concerning human rights, Jacques Chirac said "Morocco gives the good example with bold decisions and measures that I can only support." The recent conclusion of the national debate on women's status assures me that "you will surprise us with significant breakthroughs in the area."

My message to the Moroccan people is, first and foremost, a message of hope and confidence in the historical reforms carried out by your sovereign, and which will enable Morocco, I believe, to strike a balance between modernity and tradition, and to anchor solidly the spirit of progress in your country," Chirac told Moroccan citizens. Moroccan-Algerian reconciliation is the key to economic integration in the Maghreban region, which can only benefit its people, Chirac said, voicing conviction that "a patient dialogue will make it possible to lower all barriers."

The French President wished that the Maghreb countries turn the page of discord and concentrate more determinately on the sole significant problem of fighting poverty and exclusion, and reinforcing the rule of law. The French President stated that with the launching of the "new neighborliness" policy, an initiative which proposes to define an action plan matched with increased aid to EU's immediate neighbors, Morocco will be favored to benefit from an advanced status of "less than membership, more than partnership" according to the Barcelona Process.

Chirac pointed out that according to the Morocco-EU partnership agreement, future efforts will focus on three points: liberalizing agriculture and services and facilitating exchanges. Many other steps "will open the way to Morocco's progressive integration in the Enlarged European Market. This relationship is part of the larger framework of the Euro-Med free trade zone. The French head of state finally called the countries leaders of the two Mediterranean shores to "work together to give a new breath to the Euro-Mediterranean project and make it progress in all dimensions to serve peace, cooperation and our youth." http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031011/2003101127.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morocco's Islamist party welcomes reform family law

Morocco, Politics, 10/13/2003

Moroccan Party of Justice and Development (PJD) (moderate Islamist party represented in the parliament) welcomed the reform of the family law (Mudawana) announced Friday by king Mohammed VI at the opening of the fall parliament session. The party says in a communique-release this Saturday it "welcomes and supports the review of the Family law announced by Amir Al-Muminin (commander of the faithful) as a pioneering reform, and considers it to be in favor of the family and of women, in addition to being a substantial asset for the entire Moroccan nation."

The PJD adds that "it values the keen concern of Amir-Al Muminin, His Majesty king Mohammed VI to see to it that the reform of the family law is in line with the prescriptions of Islam and with the aims of our religion, which advocates justice, equity and call for honoring human beings." The king announced major reforms to the family law that regulates matters of marriage, divorce and inheritance. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031013/2003101323.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Family law change to end polygamy in Morocco

By Giles Tremlett London October 14, 2003

Polygamy should all but disappear in Morocco after the country's King Mohammed VI announced changes to strict laws on family and women's rights. The king, using his official position as the country's main religious authority, said at the weekend that changes to the mudawana code on family life would be introduced that, while not banning polygamy altogether, would make it tougher for men who wanted to take a second wife. The king said wives would be free to prevent their husbands from taking a second spouse and legal mechanisms would make polygamy "almost impossible". The changes have ended a four-year tussle over women's rights, with huge demonstrations by traditionalists and reformers in the north African state. The reforms the king has announced include raising the legal age for marriage for women from 15 to 18, a simplification of the divorce procedures for women and greater protection should their husbands leave. The king said the new laws were designed to "lift the iniquity weighing on women, protect children's rights and preserve the dignity of mankind".

Women's groups had feared that reforms, first promised when King Mohammed succeeded his father, Hassan II, in 1999, would never happen after protests from Islamic conservatives. These brought about 300,000 people onto the streets of Casablanca three years ago to protest against any change to the mudawana. Modernists seeking change could only muster 100,000 marchers the same day in Rabat. However, the conservatives in Morocco have been placed on the defensive after suicide bomb attacks by radical Islamists killed 45 people in Casablanca in May.

- Guardian http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/13/1065917340424.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morocco: More rights for women

RABAT - Morocco has announced landmark reforms giving women greater rights on matters covering marriage and divorce. King Mohammed VI said the changes to the personal status code are designed to end 'the iniquity weighing on women', BBC reported. Women will get property rights within marriage and both spouses will have equal authority in the family.  Divorce will be made easier for women, and the age of marriage for girls will be raised from 15 to 18.  Polygamy will not be outlawed but will be made more difficult - a man will need the consent of his existing wife before marrying another. Custody of children in a separation will be given as a priority to the mother. http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/world/story/0,4386,214513,00.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Family law reforms welcomed by Moroccan political parties and associations

Morocco, Politics, 10/14/2003

Reforms to the family law announced on Friday by King Mohammed VI were broadly welcomed by several political parties and associations in Morocco as landmark changes to the status of women in Morocco. The first party to express its support to the reform proposals was the Islamic moderate Party for Justice and Development (PJD/in parliament) which released on Saturday night a communiqu? in which it "welcomes and supports the review of the family law announced by Amir Al-Muminin as a pioneering reform and considers it to be in favor of the family and of women, in addition to being a substantial asset for the entire Moroccan nation." The PJD added that "it values the keen concern of Amir-Al Muminin, His Majesty king Mohammed VI to see to it that the reform of the family law is in line with the prescriptions of Islam and with the aims of our religion, which advocates justice, equity and call for honoring human beings."

Women associations also hailed the announced reforms and noted that they meet the expectations of Moroccan women and preserve their dignity. The Moroccan association of women defense (AMDF) and the women section of the constitutional union (UC) saw in these proposals "bases for the construction of a democratic and balanced society where women enjoy their rights."

For the Party for Progress and Socialism (PPS/government), the changes are a "revolutionary and deep approach that, ultimately, heralds an essential component of a coherent society project which made of communes, schools and families basic foundations for the construction of a modern democratic society." The PPS sees in the project, that will be submitted to the parliament, "a basic step in the building of a fair society that is attached to its authentic civilization and religious values and open onto progress and modernity."

Meanwhile, the Istiqlal party (PI in government) stressed that the King's instructions reflect his keenness to promulgate a family law that guarantees the dignity and rights of women, children and men and outlines their duties as they are defined by Islam while taking into account the development of society. The PI leader, Abbas El Fassi, was quoted by the party's paper in Arabic "AL Alam" as saying that "history will remember the royal contribution as an initiative that deserves respect."

The same support was voiced by the Socialist Union of Popular forces (USFP/in government) which hailed "the historic dimension" of these reforms and "the bold initiative to put on an equal footing men and women and establish a society based on the principles of justice, equality and preservation of the dignity of individuals and groups." The USFP daily "Al Ittihad Al Ishtiraki" notes that the reforms come to fulfill the Moroccan people's aspirations to manage family affairs through consensus where religious values, adherence to international conventions and modernization will prevail. "Total support to the Royal speech" and "large satisfaction with the outlines of the approach" were displayed by the "Social Democratic Movement" (MDS) which comments that reforms are part of "a genuine society project that is based on the values of equality, responsibility and modernity as well as religion and traditions that are the socio-cultural reference defining the Moroccan identity."

The Unity and Reform Movement (MUR) published in its "Attajdid" newspaper a statement supporting the king's speech at the opening of the parliament's fall session as gains for the Moroccan family in all its components (spouses and children) and for the whole Moroccan society. The party says it is proud that the basic framework that regulates these reforms is the Islamic reference on which the king, who is also Amir Al-Muminine (commander of the faithful), insisted when stating "In my capacity as Amir Al-Muminine, I cannot make licit what God has forbidden, nor forbid what He has made lawful).

For the Democratic Forces Front (FFD), the speech delivered by the sovereign "has put an end to a controversy over major choices and consecrated Morocco's option for modernity and democracy." The FFD also described as a "quality leap forward" the king's call to implement the reforms by setting up a special family jurisdiction. "Deep satisfaction" is the feeling expressed by the Constitutional Union (UC) which called the Royal instructions a "major historical event for the country and an essential step in perfecting the project of a democratic and modern society."

For the UC, the sovereign, who has been endeavoring to lift the injustice affecting some categories of the society through institutional solidarity, has been stimulating Ijtihad (jurisprudence). The UC also noted that the reference of reforms announced by the king is likely to preserve the strength of family links and safeguard the legitimacy and lofty goals of Ijtihad. The party further stressed that the new Mudawana project is a project for the entire family and a victory in the Moroccan society's struggle for the consolidation of justice and human rights. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031014/2003101422.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Family law amendments, a revolution, justice minister

Morocco, Politics, 10/14/2003

The amendments brought to the family law (Mudawana) are a revolution in the organization of marriage and divorce, said justice minister, Mohammed Bouzoubaa. The minister, who was Sunday host at a program of Morocco's first TV channel, said the new text, outlined by King Mohammed VI last Friday at the opening of the parliament's fall session, comes to build a democratic and modernist society in keeping with the royal directives that have put an end to all divergence. The wisdom of King Mohammed VI has offered Moroccans a new law that stands as well structured text where all sensibilities are taken into account, a feature that guarantees its applicability, Bouzoubaa said.

While announcing these important reforms, king Mohammed VI has shown how attached Morocco is to the values and principles of the Chariaa (Islamic law), which preaches equity between men and women, tolerance and justice, he added. The minister recalled how the king has given instructions to activate the law enforcement by set up, as a provisional measure, facilities for the new family jurisdictions Moroccan courts. The sovereign has also instructed the minister to ensure the training of the new judicial system staff and make proposals for appointing a committee of experts to draft a practical guidebook on relevant provisions and rules pertaining to the family judicial system, to serve as a single source of reference.

The minister explained that a training program in psychology and sociology has been developed for magistrates who will be in charge of family justice in order to hone their skills and improve their capacity to undertake reconciliation attempts before ruling in any family-related dispute. He added that five courts already have structures in charge of family cases, seven others will be opened in the coming days, pending generalization in the Moroccan 70 first instance courts. He explained that the new structures covers all family-related specialties: registry, marriage and divorce, violence against women and children, children custody, legal tutelage, alimony and minors affairs.

On the family solidarity fund, another highlight of the new law proposal, the minister explained that the new fund will not only deal with children of divorced parents, but also with destitute mothers and impecunious old people. The fund inception law will be tabled at the parliament together with the family law project, he went on. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031014/2003101427.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Moroccan king orders justice minister to set up facilities for family justice in Moroccan courts

Morocco, Politics, 10/13/2003

Morocco's King Mohammed VI issued orders to the justice minister to set up "suitable" family justice facilities in Moroccan courts, as a provisional measure pending the announcement of a decision on this project, in order to support implementation of the reforms to the family law (Mudawana) announced on Friday by the sovereign. In a letter to justice minister, Mohamed Bouzoubaa, King Mohammed VI underscored the importance of a family judicial system, endowed with the necessary material and human resources as well as clear procedures, stressing that it has been noted that inadequacies and shortcomings noted during the enforcement of the Mudawana as it stands are mostly due to the absence of a family judicial system.

The sovereign further instructed the minister to ensure the new judicial system staff training and to make proposals for appointing a committee of experts to draft a practical guidebook on relevant provisions and rules pertaining to the family judicial system, to serve as a single source of reference. The king also renewed "keenness to consolidate the foundations for a Moroccan family committed to its authentic values, attuned to the modern world and enjoying the protection of justice as well as the virtues of equality and solidarity." http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031013/2003101322.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Group of Moroccan NGOs calls for abolishing capital punishment

Morocco, Politics, 10/13/2003

The Moroccan prisons observatory (OMP) and a group of human rights-advocacy groups called the Moroccan state to abolish capital punishment, in keeping with international human rights covenants ratified by Morocco. The NGO's that held on Friday a conference on capital punishment in Morocco as the world marks the world day for the universal abolishment of capital punishment called for granting those on the death row a grace and commute their sentence into a limited prison term.

An appeal was launched for Morocco to sign the second protocol on capital punishment of the international charter of civic and political rights. Moroccan human rights-advocacy groups were also urged to use all means to promote the Moroccan society's awareness on the human rights breach that results directly from the capital punishment. Several Moroccan, Maghreban and foreign jurists and human rights advocates analyzed during the conference the problem of capital punishment. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031013/2003101325.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parliament fall session opening: King Mohammed surveys reforms of the family law

Morocco, Politics, 10/11/2003

Morocco's King Mohammed VI announced a series of reforms to the proposed "Mudawana (Family law)" at the opening in Rabat Friday of the parliament fall session. The king said he wanted to see to the adoption of a modern form of wording instead of that which undermines the dignity of women as human beings. The reforms as surveyed by the king, are mainly meant to "make husband and wife jointly responsible for the family, to entitle women who have come of age to guardianship as a right, and to ensure equality between men and women by setting the minimum age for marriage at 18 years for both of them.

Concerning polygamy, the king said "(.) God made polygamy almost impossible from the Islamic legal point of view. Similarly, I have sought guidance from the pristine wisdom of Islam which makes it legally possible for a man to take a second wife, but only in circumstances beyond control. In addition, strict conditions must be observed and a judge's permission secured."

King Mohammed VI said the judge shall not allow polygamy unless he ascertains that the husband will treat his second wife and her children on an equal footing with the first, that he will provide the same living conditions for all, and that there is a clear and objective justification for polygamy. The woman has the right to impose a condition in the marriage contract whereby her husband will refrain from taking a second wife. Conditions also include that the second wife be informed that her husband-to-be is already married. Her consent must also be secured. The first wife shall have the right to ask for divorce because of harm suffered.

"As a token of my special concern for my dear subjects residing abroad, and in order to reduce the hassle they face to get marriage contracts processed, I have decided that the procedure shall be simplified. The marriage contract shall simply be drawn up in the presence of two Muslim witnesses, in accordance with the procedures in force in the country of residence, and shall then be registered with the relevant Moroccan consular or judicial authorities. In this regard, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon Him, is quoted as saying: "Seek ease, not hardship." The reforms make the husband's right to resort to repudiation limited by specific restrictions and conditions designed to avoid misuse of this right. For this purpose, mechanisms for reconciliation and mediation, through the family and the judge, shall be strengthened, king Mohammed VI said. The sovereign expand the woman's right to file for divorce if the husband fails to observe any of the conditions in the marriage contract, or if he harms his wife through lack of financial support, abstinence, violence, or any other wrongful deed. This provision is in line with the general legal principle which advocates balance and moderation. Its aim is to promote equality and fairness between husband and wife. A provision allows divorce by mutual consent, under judicial supervision.

Other stipulations introduced are meant to further protect children's rights by making the provisions of the relevant international agreements ratified by Morocco, to protect the child's rights to acknowledgment of paternity in case the marriage has not been officially registered for reasons beyond control, to grant them the right to inherit from their grandfather, as part of the compulsory legacy. Regarding the management, by husband and wife, of the property acquired during marriage, and while confirming the principle of separate estate for each one of them, the couple may agree, in a document other than the marriage contract, on how to manage the assets acquired jointly during marriage.

http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031011/2003101124.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

No progress possible if women' rights are violated, says king

Morocco, Politics, 10/11/2003

Morocco's King Mohammed VI of Morocco has defended the right to equality between Moroccan men and women, and urged for a reform of the family law and the woman status "Mudawana."  "How can society achieve progress while women, who represent half the nation, see their rights violated and suffer as a result of injustice, violence and marginalisation, notwithstanding the dignity and justice granted them by our glorious religion?" asked the king who was addressing members of parliament at the opening Friday of the legislative year.

The monarch who had posed this very question in his speech on August 20, 1999 marking "the Revolution of the King and the People" day said that "in addition to taking significant decisions and initiatives to ensure that women enjoy a better and more equitable status, I did not hesitate to take steps to prevent the Moroccan society from being split over this issue." To this end, he went on, I set up a multi-disciplinary advisory committee to propose an in-depth review of the Family Law.

The Moroccan king took this opportunity to commend the efforts exerted by the chairman and all the members of the committee. "Views on certain issues may have differed at times, but in the case of Ulemas (religious scholars), I consider such differences rather as a blessing," he explained. "These reforms, the most important of which I have mentioned, should not be perceived as an indication of one side's victory over the other, but rather as gains for all Moroccans," he insisted. King Mohammed VI, in his capacity of "Amir Al-Muminin" (Commander of the Faithful), said: "I cannot make licit what God has forbidden, nor forbid what He has made lawful." "It is necessary to be mindful of the tolerant aims of Islam, which advocate human dignity, equality and harmonious relations, and also to rely on the cohesiveness of the Malikite rite and on ijtihad, thanks to which Islam is a suitable religion for all times and places," the king said, adding that "the aim is to draw up a modern Family Law which is consistent with the spirit of our glorious religion."

He also insisted that "the Family Law should not be considered as a legislation devised for women only, but rather as a code for the family: father, mother and children. The proposed legislation is meant to free women from the injustices they endure besides protecting children's rights and safeguarding men's dignity. "Would anyone of you want to see his wife and children thrown out of their home and into the street, or his daughter or sister treated brutally?" asked the sovereign, underlining that "as the King of all Moroccans, I do not make legislation for a given segment of the population or a specific party. Rather, I seek to reflect the general will of the Nation, which I consider to be my extended family."

King Mohammed VI also voiced resolve to "preserve the rights of my faithful subjects of Jewish faith," saying "I have seen to it that the new Family Law contains a provision which reaffirms that they shall continue to be governed by the Hebraic Moroccan Family Law." He noted that although the 1957 Family Law was drawn up before the Parliament was established, and was subsequently amended by Dahirs (Royal

Decrees) in 1993, during a constitutional transition period, "I have made a decision for the proposed Family Law to be submitted to Parliament, for the first time, in view of its implications with respect to civil law. As for the provisions of religious nature, they fall within the competence of Amir Al-Muminin (Commander of the Faithful)," said the monarch who expects from the members of parliament "to rise to this historic occasion and be worthy of the responsibilities assigned to you, not only by respecting the sacred nature of the proposed texts, which were prepared with due account being taken of the aims of our tolerant religion, but also when you adopt new legislation."

"These provisions, he said, should not be regarded as flawless, nor should they be perceived from a fanatic angle. Instead, you should address them with realism and clear-sightedness, keeping in mind that this is an Ijtihad (jurisprudence) effort which is suitable for Morocco at this point in time in its endeavors to achieve the development objective it is pursuing in a wise, gradual and determined manner." As King Mohammed VI finally called for "a large-scale media campaign to sensitize all segments of the population to the importance of this reform. Islamic law experts, intellectuals and political representatives should be involved," he concluded. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031011/2003101123.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

King Mohammed voices resolve to set democratic process on the right track

Morocco, Politics, 10/11/2003

Morocc's King Mohammed VI voiced in Rabat Friday resolve to set the democratic process on the right path, insisting that it is an irreversible choice, whatever the challenges ahead, locally or at international level. The sovereign said in his speech at the opening Friday of the parliament fall session that democracy "implies a keen sense of commitment to the notion of citizenship," underlining that "there can be no democracy where there are no democrats." It is "a long, arduous exercise, not some sort of battlefield on which to wage a war for positions," he stressed.

On the local polls held in Morocco last September 12, the monarch underlined that the consolidation of democracy is "a task incumbent upon political parties and civil society," adding that election is not a goal in its own right. "I urge local community councils to take the electoral competition for what it is, i.e. a passing event, and to launch major development projects, which are vital for social development, and to face the challenges, undeterred by the difficulties," said the king.  The goal, he went on, is to draw up local development plans and initiate implementation of priority projects, namely for adequate housing, high-yielding investment, productive employment, useful education and decent living conditions for all." http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031011/2003101121.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

King Mohammed deplores low number of elected women in local polls

Morocco, Politics, 10/11/2003

In his speech opening the parliament fall, Morocco's King Mohammed VI deplored the low number of women elected during the local polls held in the country last September 12. "The number of women serving on local community councils is so low that I wonder: how much longer are we going to resort to legally-condoned positive discrimination to increase women's participation in elected bodies?," he said, pointing out to the 30 women quota in parliament. The sovereign insisted that "we must open the way for women so that they may participate in all sectors of national life, especially as they have shown their competence, rectitude and dedication whenever they have served public interest." The sovereign added that altering this reality requires far-reaching changes in old mentalities and public perceptions. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031011/2003101122.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morocco's trade deficit worsens by 18.3% by end of August 2003

Morocco, Economics, 10/11/2003

During the period January-August 2003, Morocco's trade deficit worsened by 18.3% as compared to the same period last year, the exchange office said. The value of the country's overall trade exchanges amounted to 142.51 billion dirhams (nearly US $14.25 billion) by end of August, against 143 billion dirhams (nearly $14.34 Bln) in the same period last year, i.e. a 0.6% decrease, the office goes. The increase of the trade deficit (5.05 billion dirhams/US $500 Million) is due to the 5.2% drop in exports, which regressed to 54.89 billion dirhams (nearly US $5.48 Bln) and a 2.4% increase in imports.

The major decreases affected sales of food products (-16.3%), energy products (-75.6%), unprocessed mineral products (-26.2%), while those of finished consumption goods, semi-products and animal and vegetal products registered a rise. Imported goods increased significantly. In effect, equipment goods increased by 9.5%, semi-products by "9%, unprocessed products by 13.1%, industrial gold by 27.9% and consumption goods by 1.9%. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031011/2003101129.html

############################################################################

These postings are provided without permission of the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship, and research under the "Fair Use" provisions of U.S. Government copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the identified copyright owner.  The poster does not vouch for the accuracy of the content of the message, which is the sole responsibility of the copyright holder.